How to Buy an Army Surplus GPS

In today’s highly technological world, a GPS or global positioning system is almost essential for the traveler or hiker who wants or needs more information than a compass or map can provide. A portable GPS can give you turn-by-turn instructions on how to drive from one location to another, provide lists of restaurants or gas stations that are in your area and even supply information about upcoming traffic problems and give detour directions to avoid those problems.

Prices of GPS devices can vary widely and are dependent on the features of the unit and its screen size. A GPS for automobiles that has only basic mapping features and a small screen range around $100 while higher end units that have larger screens, multimedia capabilities and can connect to the Internet may cost upwards of $500 or more. A simple, portable GPS with a 3.5 inch screen and basic features starts at around $100 while units that have bigger screens, traffic service integrated into the unit, the ability to periodically update maps from the Internet and can connect into the car stereo can cost as much as $600.

There are several factors to take into consideration when buying a GPS. If most of your driving is repetitive or you take short trips and only occasionally need directions, then a lower end GPS costing between $100 and $250 will most likely meet your needs. However, if you are a frequent traveller with changing daily needs and more complicated itineraries, then a GPS becomes more important to you and you should look into the higher end models.

In addition, if you travel more congested routes then you might also want to consider a unit with a live traffic update and integrated receiver. This can be as simple as an icon on the screen with a time delay to a more sophisticate voice unit that can update you by audio means on the traffic conditions. You might also want to investigate a unit that accepts voice commands so you can drive hands-free while your GPS accepts voice-activated functions.

Another consideration is how the device will mount in your vehicle. Most GPS units designed for automobiles include a suction cup that sticks to your windshield or a flat surface on the dashboard. In states where attachments to the windshield are illegal or where the dashboard in the car is not flat, additional flat discs are included that are designed to adhere to the dashboard, thereby allowing the suction cup to stick.

A final consideration is the frequency of map updates. If you plan to use your GPS to occasionally find the closest restaurant or retail store or make sporadic trips to new places, then having up-to-date maps may not be important and an annual update that may be free is all you need. However, if you are a more frequent traveller and having current mapping data is important, then you would require a GPS unit that has a periodic update function. These updates are done from the website of the GPS and typically are associated with an annual fee.